Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Robert Jones - 'Recollections of 13 years Residence in Norfolk Island and Van Diemans land', dated 1823 [?], and associated papers to 1938
Safe 1 / 2d
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Something to be proud of. The miseries of a lot of poor and
unfortunate wretches, better that they were dead. A grand record to be
sure
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A more correct end of this work could not be written. Given as [?]
realistic and faithful picture of the early convict system at Norfolk
Island.
Written in a style which most assuredly guarantees its genuineness.
A. Datton
Sydney 18 v 91
[plate 3]
Gaol Entrance
Drawing from a sketch with descriptions by Robert Jones 1823
J.L. 1823
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Recollections of 13 years Residence in Norfolk Island and Van Diemans
Land
Robert Jones Buckey late cheif gaoler at Norfolk Island
Sydney, June 15, 1823
Sydney 1823
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Although my memory is at times rather inclined to be uncertain I can
faithfully remember incidents that occured during my appointment as chief
Gaoler in Norfolk Island, in 1803 to 1805 (During 1805 ended ended my
services on that Island on account of the giving up of that place as a
penal settlement). In 1803 the number of Persons numbered about
1200. Captain Foveaux [Wilson inserted in margin] was the
commandment. The convicts were usually worked in ganges under an overseer
they were allowed rations of ten
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of flour and three pounds of salted pork they were at liberty to work
for the free settlers after their work was done And for which they were
paid by an increase of rations the men on such occasions were kept out in
the open untill my arrival which did not often happen till ten oclock at
night.
Major Foveaux was on of them hard and determined men who believed in the lash more than in the Bible his treatment of the woman Convicts was most brutal they were looked upon
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as slaves, and sold openely to the free settlers and convicts alike.
The prices being often as high as ten pounds for young and good
looking girls. This state of affairs and the results of Governer
King's treatment in regard to the method and control during
transportation from Sydney. They were in most cases consigned and
shipped as beasts of burden. Potter the bellman was acting as
salesman and in most cases reselling them for a gallon or so of rum
untill they were in such a condition to be of little or no further
use.
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These statements I make from my own personal observation. Much
can be said of the abuses of convict woman at Norfolk Island.
The governer himself did not consider these practices at all immoral, and was not above temtation. The state and moral condition on the island is beyond human imagination. The general work for male convicts consisted of stone cutting and farm work. The productions of the latter consisted chiefly maize growing with little [other?] attempt
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at stock raising.
They were often hard pressed for the necisities of life. We were often put on short rations. The usual punishments extended to male offenders for small defaultations consisted of twenty five lashes on the triangle and ? ? after received their punishment were sent to work in the quarries
The women were simularaly treated only that their bodies were exposed to the male convicts they being compelled to walk naked before
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them. It was usual for the men to be placed in a circle around the
flogger and his victim with the commandent as an eye witness.
They were (the women) then sent to their homes and allowed two hours upon which to recover the effects of their punishment. It has often been said that the prisoners were starved in to submission and also that a more barbarious punishment such as cutting of their hands and removing their eyes But I can truthfully deny all such statements.
Major Foveaux had a passion for witnessing
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punishments of that description he would often order some poor
unfortunate wrecth to the triangle and laugh at his cries for mercy.
They were all genuinly pleased at his retirement.
The appointment of Captain Piper was looked upon with much hope for improvements nor were they mistaken. The commencement of his governership began a new era for the welfare and treatment of the prisoners. My first instructions were to report personally any infringement or disobedience of the new rules made for the benefit of all prisoners.
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They consisted of no flogging for women, extra two pounds of flour two
pounds of salted Pork and one measure of ground corn. All prisoners
to be in their cells at sundown and no work during wet weather. The
women were to receive an extra allowance of clothing with extra blankets
and other minor necessities. The general appearance of the Island
at that date would lead one to believe that we were of a progressive and
industrious inclination. To the general mind and reports
appearing
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in the government dispatches Norfolk Island as a penal settlement was
in every way satisfactory.
Transportation from Sydney of the worst type of criminals did not occur to the general Public as to their future treatment for improvement.
During my appointment as overseer I had the oppertunity of meeting various classes and types of prisoners many were sent here for offences for which a different method of improvement and punishment would be more comendable.
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Politacil prisoners were treated with the same severety as the most
dangerous class of vagabonds.
In respect to the early or past positions of many convicts I need not dwell here. Their offences committed and sentinced received could be more accurately acertained from the various official records. Their condition and impression of this place were in no way respected.
It was usual upon arrival of each gang of prisoners to instruct and inform them that their position became
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once and for all porposes dead to the out side world that they would
be known hereafter by numbers only.
The general rule was in case of prisoners who were fortunate enough to
possess an education above the average also some outside means received
some slight consideration from the Comandent.
He was (the Governer) at all times open to receive some regonition in return for favours extended. In Fact most of them holding such minor positions as overseer
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Constables. Doctors were at all times willing to extend leinancy
should there be sufficient compensation So you will understand that
Norfolk Island is not so bad as represented. Doctor Redfern was one
of those blunt and outspoken of men he at all times listened
attentatively to prisoners and others who may be unfortunate enough to
require his services. He was well liked for his many kindnesses and
liberal ways.
We were always in a state of excitement during the appearance of any
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vessels. There was a fear that the french were coming to take
possession of Norfolk Island.
Upon one occasion we [were] alarmed at the appearance of several
vessels passing the Island. Notice was at once given to the Chief
Constable Edward or Ted Kimberley to have all prisoners placed in their
cells and scaffolding erected covered with brushwood The soldiers
were to set fire to the prisons upon the signal from me.
There were about sixty prisoners in the cells. The alarm quickly
spread throughout the settlement and the
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whole population numbering about two hundred advanced to the cascade
to offer a strong resistance to the enemy which proved to be some passing
friendly vessels bound for Sydney. These arrangements was the work
of Kimberley and myself the Governor Captain Piper being ignorant of our
doings.
I would like to say more conserning Major Foveaux and of this Governship of the Island. Shortly before his recall to England for the murder (the correct word) of two men named McLean
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and Wollehan.
The history of that case and trial is too well known to mention here.
The treatment showed to Sergeint Sherwin and his convinement in goal also the seduction of his wife by Major Foveaux leaves an unfavourable impression of that gentleman's character. It is well to mention that the influence and mercy given to prisoners will be remembered by many fortunate enough to have been noticed by her Her word of good will and kindly benevolence secured by her many friends.
[marginal note] [?] Sherwin
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What power she excised over the Major it is well to mention was in all
cases for some kindly action. Serjeint Sherwin I believe shortly
afterwards left the Island and became a grocer in Parramatta.
Doctor Wentworth although holding such a high position as Chief Surgeon was a most generous kind hearted and considerate man he would at all times pay attention to the poorest of prisoners. His duties were mostly confined to the [admission?] of giving relief to Prisoners
[marginal note] Sergeant Sherwin remarried and had 4 or 5 children
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after recieving their flogging which were very frequent on man named
Joe Mansbury having received two thousand strokes of the Cat o Nine tails
during his term of three years confinement here his back being quite bare
of flesh and his collares bones were exposed looking very much like two
Ivory Polished horns. It was with some difficulty we could find
another place to flog him. [Tony?] suggested to me that we had
better try the soles of his feet next time.
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I will now give a description of the prison and its surroundings the
appearance resembled a square with stone walls about ten feet high.
Along the outside of the wall were the cells they numbered about
eighty and about twelve feet by eighty feet with walls eighteen inches
thick. The approach to the Cells was a narrow passage five feet
wide with no roof and paved with stone flags the Cells were
damp.
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and badly lighted and very cold.
No restriction was placed upon prisoners should they return late from working on the farms of the Governer's but all prisoners had to rise one hour before sunrise and roll up their Bedding which was placed outside of their Cells during all weathers. The prisoners returning in wet weather from their work were hurried into their Cells in their wet state with no means of drying their clothes such were my orders from the Governer and should
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any one of them make a complaint they were immediately sent to the
triangle and ordered twenty five lashes. Any further complaint was
an addittional fifty such punishment usually had its effect in subduing
any further disturbance or complaints. The method of placing them
on the triangle was very simple and quickly performed it consisted of a
tripod with the top joined and legs spread out about three feet with
straps for holding the prisoners. The flogger was a
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County of Clare man and very powerful man and took great pleasure in
inflicting as much bodily punishment as possible using such expressions
another haff a pound mate off the beggar's ribs. His face and
clothes usually presented an appearance of a mince meat chopper being
covered with flesh from the victims body. Major Foveaux delighted
in such an exhibition and would show his satisfaction by smiling as an
encouragement to the flogger he would
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sometimes order the victim to be brought before him with these words
[hulloa?] you dammed scoundrel how do you like it and order him to put on
his coat and immediately go to his work. William Redfern (Surgeon
Wentworth assistant) would then ask the Governer's permission to
administer some comfort to the Victim which consisted of throwing a
bucket or two of salt water upon his back. The prisoners were so
hardened to such treatment
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that it became a saying, "You will get salted back for that"
among the prisoners was one named Holt - a fiery tempered and plain
spoken man he gave me more trouble than the worst class of Criminals I
believe he was a Irish rebel He was the only man among the gang who
would dare answer the Major or Murderer as many called him during
his imprisonment here he did not believe any floggings. I believe
as near as I can remember he left in the ship Sydney under the
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Command of Captain Forrest for Van Dieman's Land to open a prison
settlement there under the Governership of Lieutenant Collins who were to
form a settlement on the River Derwent afterward called Newtown.
Drummond the beach overseer Tony Chandler and Peter Walsh were [daily?]
in trouble concerning this man who would do no work he being a favorite
of Mrs Sherwin he was well liked among the Female prisoners and
during his stay here would suffer none to be placed
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on the triangle he was the only man feared by the Major. Ted
Kimberley chief constable considered the convicts of Norfolk Island no
better than heathens unfit to grace this earth. Women were in his
estimation born for the convienance of man - he was a bright and
intelligent Irishman I can well remember the time he fell in love with
Mary Ginders a married Convict woman. He ran along the road in
front of the gaol with Ginders following
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with a axe in his hand he told her that if she did not come and live
with him he would report her to the Major and have her placed into the
Cells. That woman gave us more trouble than any one on the Island
She was the leader of the dances in the barrack Room and was well liked
among the soilders???
The amusements consisted mainly of dancing in the Barrack Room on Thursday evenengs when all the women would join in the dances
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of the mermaids Each one being naked with numbers painted on their
backs so as to be regonised by their admirers who would clap their hands
upon seeing their favorite perform som grotesque action. And with
the assistance of a Gallon or two of Rum would end their nights
amusements in a drunken state, such amusements were the talk of the
Soilders for days before and after the performance Potter the bellman
would arrange for the appearances
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of the women.
I can well remember the fight between Mary Ginders and Bridget Chandler
in respect to their position as favourites among the Soilders which ended
in Bridget recieving a broken arm.
Mr Mitchell a store keeper and trader (who afterward retired and went to
Sydney) would exchange his stores for rum, his flour was bad and his pork
was soft. I believe he came out here as a missioner but gave up
that proffesion as there was more money in trading
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he had a beautiful young woman name [Lirya?] McCann who was as cunning
as himself who could drink more rum than most of the Hardened Soilders
and took every opportunity to make herself disagreeable to the other
Females who would dare venture within her store her greatest Pride
was to be clothes in Silks and a bonnet with feathers on them.
Mr Mitchell usually wore a dark Coat white trousers and Vest of a
Bright red Color with a large black Hat brought out from England to order
for him by Captain McIntosh.
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The food as supplied to prisoners being of a poor quality did not
sustain them sufficiently long enough for the class of work required of
them under such conditions the prisoners were compelled to resort to
other means of obtaining sufficient to keep themselves alive many were
the devices carried out to obtain it the usual manner of distributing
rations left many opportunities open for unfair dealings. Of course
it must be remembered that there were favorites among the Male and Female
Prisoners
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and that every opportunity was taken by them where with to increase
their own larder. The flour was served out in Mess tins by Serjient
Sherwin who handed them to Peter Walsh and upon the receiving of which he
would take a handfull from each tin for his own use generally with the
remark, is it one or two handsfull for my share and should any of them
refuse him he would look at them with a meaning well known to themselves,
possibly a little extra work or punishment for their
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refusal. The Pork supplied to the prisoners was so soft that you
could put your finger through it and always rotten - the appearance of
any vermin among the food supplied was always excused to the nature and
quality supplied, it being said that the best of flour and Meal always
contained them .
Upon receiving his allowance each prisoner was required to place his food
in the Cell and was compelled to do his own cooking when time could
be spared for such work
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[plate 2]
Residence of William Wentworth, Surgeon
J.L. 1823
Residence of Dr Wentworth, N.I.
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There were several attemps at escape from the Island but none were
successful. many murders most of them were commited for the purpose
of getting to Sydney, it being their only way of seeing
“heaven’ again. Many were never to see the 'old hell'
as Norfolk Island was called, again. Thomas Carpenter did not
survive the last punishment, or corporal as it was called, his 250 killed
him, died of
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heart failure they said. God forgive them, and him too.
For he was well liked on the Island, but feeling that he was ill,
and thinking that his end was near, he struck his Officer with the hope
that he would see his friends once more, he did so but it was his last
time. Considering the purpose for which these poor devils obtain
justice their lot is all the worse for the manner in
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which they chose to obtain it. Two men were sent to Sydney, they
have each received 800 lashes during their stay here and it was decided
by the doctors that more flogging would be injurous, their backs were
quite bare of flesh and one mass of sores. It is a strange thing
that the home government did not send out some missionarys out here, we
were badly in want of one out here.
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The state of the settlement and the amount of work done, compares
favourably with any other. And I feel sure that our farmers and
agricultural work was far advanced of any other colony we were at some
time or other in a state of semi-starvation, but that was when we [were]
in trouble over the dry and wet seasons, 10 bushels of Maize to the ace
is a good crop.
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Cannot, seeing why you advise me to forward reports in reference to
the work performed under my direction. Upon receiving this notice I
went to the Major, his answer was Tell them they must come and make a
report for themselves, no person was allowed to write any information
about the place or the work done here, they were only to write in
reference to the state of our good conduct and friends.
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Many were the unspoken regrets, at the return of the Major, how the
must have wished that they could have been a t home and told the truth.
For without a doubt he was guilty, yes and it is who could [tell]
them so. Murder simply murder is what I call it, god forgets and
forgives, but I never can. His was a life never to repay for his
brutal conduct towards prisoners.
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Good night and be dam´d to you I say. Chandler 25 tomorrow
and mark him. Such were common expressions of the Major.
Carefull were we that his instructions were carried out. Prisoners
were not informed of their punishment untill the morning. No food
was to be taken by the victim before receiving his punishment, such cruel
treatment had
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[plate 3]
The Flogging of Charles Maher
J.L. 1823
The Flogging of Charles Maher, 250 lashes, (single flogger)
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little effect in subduing the most hardened criminal. Thursday
April 11 I well remember the date, began the most stormy weather on
record here. The cascade was partly destroyed.
The flogging of Charles Maher allmost brought about a mutiny. his back
was quite bare of skin and flesh. Poor wretch he received 250
lashes and upon receiving 200 Kimberly refused to count, meaning thereby
that his punishment was enough
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Trader Mitchell lost Bag of flour and more trouble over it than a ton
of gold September 1804 there was loss of grain through want of carefull
storing. Rain flooded out the stores.
The lady of the Lake, Ship paid you us a visit from London. She
brought large quanties of food. The maize was shipped at Batavia
and was wormy - dry and powderly Most of the pork shipped was good
and known as Bat
Pork.
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Annie Kelly received 25 lashes and well deserved it, her conduct was
very bad. She was a theif and spy. the last named being
sufficient to condem her to all. All ships from Sydney for Norfolk
Island, bearing prisoners or govrs despatches had to use a private signal
before droping anchor. all prisoners were removed to the cells and
upon arrival of a new batch or gang they were taken
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before the other prisoners possibly as a lesson to them, they were
informed of the rules and regulations and then assigned to me for there
future work. The new arrivals were then placed in irons for one
week
It was considered good policy and to shew them our authority to
administer as early as possible whether wanted or not corporal punishment
to the extent of twenty five lashes. It was an easy matter to make
him commit an offence for which to make him Liable.
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all three women were under sentence for child murder. One of the
worst methods of punishment for such an offence. England for white
slaves. why were they sent here. for crimes that required pity more
than punishment. Heaven forbid England if that is her way of
populating her hell holes.
What would our noble persons think of our virgin settlements and their
white slaves
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In every case the women treated as slaves, good stock to trade with
and a convict having the good chance to possess one did not want much
encouragement to do so.
January 1804 began with a new crime among prisoners that of stealing stores from ships visiting the Island, many complaints having been received by the Governor. Also a very painfull way of returning to Sydney, by the way of cutting off some other prisoners hand or foot.
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During the first punishment, prisoners were given a lashes. It
being considered out of Notice not to have received "corporal". 200
lashes is considered a feeler. 500 - Black box - meaning death to
those who receive them.
Many were releived at death from such treatment.
It would be impossible to describe the torture received in regard to the many methods employed by the commandant, his servants and overseers, one of the favourite
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and most frequent punishment was to make the leg irons more small
every months so that they would pinch the flesh. The water pit was
a favourite method to ensure good conduct and quietness.
The pit was a sort of cell, sunk below the ground, and filled with salt water till it was 18 or 20 inches high. The prisoner was then striped and placed in it and left for 2 or more days.
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Could we but live over again that which is past, what a lot of good we
would do. It is to late now. The last day is too late.
Report of Commandant for half year, ending June 1804.
Prisoners on Island: 1180.
Corporal punishment inflicted upon prisoners: 267 cases.
2 prisoners receive 500 lashes each.
Ten male and 7 female prisoners die
Prisoners sent to Sydney for trial, 62. cost of same
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£163.12.0
On Saturday June 16th 1804 2 prisoners made an attempt to escape, were
two days on a raft, but had to return on account of Bad weather.
One man made an attempt to get away on a door, after having bored 2 holes for his legs to pass through, but did not get more than 10 miles of the land - 1 of his toes was bitten. 2 days in the water pit with 250 lashes put a stop to further
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escapes. I[t] is strange that the women prisoners did not attemp
to escape. Their lot surely must have been greater than the male
convicts. Several have not recovered yet from their treatment at
the hands of the major. Sixteen of them were hanged for minor
offences such as using too personal remarks to the Commandent's fancy
woman a Mrs Sherwin wife of Serjeant Sherwin, a good but badly judged
woman.
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Good bye to the other women. There was some hope that she would
survive the 250 lashes, upon being brought to the Tryangle.
Richards complained of sickness and could not be able to perform
the flogging. Kimberly was requested to act as flogger. when the
time came for him to begin, Lieutenant Laycock commanded him to begin
upon which Kimberly cried out that he did not flog women, This
reply made the Major
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furious. He then asked on of the soldiers Mick Kelly by name to
take the tails and go on with the punishment which he immediately
proceeded to perform in such a manner that not one mark was left on her
back, this made the Major so wild that he ordered the woman to be placed
in a dark Cells for a forghtnigh upon hearing which Surgeon Redfern
objected that the woman had recieved sufficient punishment as directed by
the Governer himself
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This was the last time that women were flogged on Norfolk Island.
On the 27th May his Majesty Ship Calcutta (I think was the name)
came from Sydney for the purpose of inspection and to make a general
report as to the settlement and condition of prisoners on he island.
But I believe it was for taking more prisoners to the newly formed settlements in Van Diemans Land. We had heard such bad reports from that place and in Consequence
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prisoners were very much against going there. Many of the old
hands would injure themselves in order that they may be not taken
Some were in the habit of eating sand in hope of being ill others
would drink large quantities of salt water such was the impression of Van
Diemans Land The surgeons were always in trouble over such cases
five prisoners died from the effect of sand eating. Work was
suspended for one month on
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account of fever commonly called Sun fever which was really a severe
form of dysentery caused through eating bad pork. We had several
herds of swine on the islands but the settlers demanded too high
price.
They were brought from Sydney by Governor King and given to settlers of
ten acres or more. The general price of food as supplied by
Mitchell was too much for the convicts The money in use was mostly
the Spanish dollar and English guinea.
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His Majesty King George has been pleased to grant to all his subjects
complete protection, in out of the way places and trusts that they will
be loyal and faitfull.
What a mockery to issue such a peice of information to chained convicts.
Protection when we were the greatest enemy as my orders were to murder all the prisoners under my care. Should any forien nation bear down up us Protection be damed
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Fish were plentifull and of a good quality, some fine large els were
caught by the prisoners. were were very thankfull for our supply of
game consisting of Birds of providence, a small and salty flesh trib.
Hundreds were killed in a day, at other times they would leave us
for weeks, other small birds were in abundance but too small and unfit to
eat. Some were covered with feathers of a bright Colour, most of
them were unknown to us
[Page 64]
The last of the female convicts left for Van Diemans Land in June
1806, they we some good conduct women employed as servants to free
settlers All the inhabitants left in 1807, they having been granted
free farms in that place, many lost their lives in conflict with the
blacks, the murders and fighting became a general waste
in every days life, the were very cunning and needed much watching
[Page 65]
The 9th June we received a visit from a London Missionary Ship on her
round trip of visiting the islands. Two french Merchantmen came
here after visiting the Islands. I believe it was their intention
of forming a new settlement in Holland and Van Diemans Land.
They stayed a month here and upon leaving, visited Batavia, two prisoners
escaped in her, one was known as Ginger Ryan the other Paddy O'Keefe.
[Page 66]
We did not know what had become of them till some years afterwards.
Orders were recieved from Sydney about this time for the shipment
of Convicts to Newtown the newly formed settlement in Van Diemans Land
There was much excitement among the Free Settlers and they were
informed by the Governer Captain Piper that all fierce persons must leave
the Island, The Government having given up control of the Island
for some years to come.
[Page 67]
Our crop of maize failed. Lieutenant Davies and Laycock visits
the Island.
Such arrivals and changes were so many, and one and another so much the
same that the prisoners became hardened and indifferent to their person
or calling. Each and every officer were obliged to continue the
work as performed by his last officer.
Captain Piper an ever watchfull and care full man did his duty well, was
liked, and respected
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March 1804 three French ships paid us a visit one American ship, and
several from Batavia. The Ship Lady Nelson bringing further suplies
reached us from Sydney. She brought us some salted pork, unfit for
eating, some live birds which did not live long On board two
socoity women from Sydney sent out to be shut out from the world at large
for a time till a perjury case blew over in which they both were a
prominient figure
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[plate 4]
Convicts in chains at work
J.L. 1823.
[Page 70]
The kindness shewn by Mrs Sherwin to deserving female convicts every
comfort is given to any who may be fortunate to come under her notice,
the last time that I seen her she was looking very old and careworn.
May her bones rest in peace, for she was a good woman.
May 1804 is well remembered a month of corporal punishments and attempted murders old and hardened prisoners, being very troublesome.
[Page 71]
The yards you must cover in a day, the breaking of five loads of stone
being a fair days work. The tools supplied were of a very poor kind
and the men were constantly breaking them, and bringing severe
punishments through their supposed carelessness.
[Page 72]
Van Diemans Land
The place of Murder and bloodshed where we had to live - work and fight for our own lives. The work of settlers was met with difficulties and opposition was the blacks and weather on my first arrival there we suffered greatly from want of provisions all grain becoming exhausted we were compelled to hunt Kangaroo's and other game Kangaroo's flesh was recieved into his majesty stores and sold at sixpence
[Page 73]
per pound and reaching as high as one shilling and sixpence over
fifteen thousand pounds weight of this flesh was consumed in six months.
We had of [oftimes?] to eat sea weed as a vegetable.